Mariners & Oates agree release

CENTRAL Coast Mariners today signed an amicable agreement with defender James Oates to release the 21-year-old from the remainder of his current contract.

CENTRAL Coast Mariners today signed an amicable agreement with defender James Oates (pictured above) to release the 21-year-old from the remainder of his current contract.

Oates was signed to a one-year professional deal with the Mariners last year, however suffered an unfortunate ankle injury just prior to the commencement of the current Hyundai A-League campaign.

The former Manly United player and Mariners Youth team captain continues to work determinedly on his rehabilitation, and is aiming to return to action in the New South Wales Premier League before earning another Hyundai A-League contract.

Central Coast Mariners have offered Oates full use of the Club-s facilities, as well as continued access to its medical department as he returns to full fitness. In addition, Oates has been offered an open invitation to train with the Club next Hyundai A-League pre-season.

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach, Graham Arnold, said: "James Oates is a young man with great character and determination. Before he injured his ankle in the pre-season he was among the fittest players in our squad. We are convinced James can make a return to the Hyundai A-League and will support him as best we can to help him achieve his goals."